The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) is a nationally recognised vocational education and training course designed to provide learners with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to work as a qualified early childhood educator within various early childhood education and care settings in Australia. The course is structured to equip students with the necessary tools to plan, implement and evaluate early childhood education and care programs, and to support the development and wellbeing of children.

The course typically takes around 18-24 months to complete, depending on the mode of study, and is delivered through a combination of online learning and practical training. The following is a general outline of the topics and units covered in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care course:

1. Provide leadership and support for other educators

– Lead the implementation of an approved learning framework

2. Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

– Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning

3. Provide care for babies and toddlers

– Ensure the health and safety of children

– Work in partnership with families to provide appropriate care for babies and toddlers

4. Develop positive and respectful relationships with children

– Foster the holistic development and wellbeing of children

– Provide experiences to promote children’s cognitive and language development

5. Provide experiences to support children’s play and learning

– Plan and implement early childhood education and care curriculum

– Provide experiences to support children’s holistic learning and development

– Support children’s literacy and numeracy development

In addition to these core units, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care course may also include elective units such as:

– Develop community partnerships

– Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

– Provide support to children affected by abuse and/or neglect

– Develop and implement a sustainability policy

Upon completion of the course, graduates will be equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge to work as a qualified early childhood educator within a variety of early childhood education and care settings, including as a lead educator, centre coordinator, and family day care coordinator. Graduates may also be eligible to progress to higher education and training in early childhood education and care.